Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus
Tender pan-seared salmon fillets finished with a bright garlic lemon butter sauce and served alongside crisp-tender asparagus for a simple elegant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus spears
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and add 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears to the pan. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Remove salmon and asparagus to a plate. Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
